PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad celebrates his 99th birthday today (July 10).

He was born in 1925 in Alor Setar Kedah and was trained as a physician before embarking on his political career.

He was Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and for a second stint from 2018 to 2020.

Well-wishes for the nonagenarian flooded in from the public through social media.

“Happy 99th birthday to the person I love and respect. May you live a long life with sustenance, good health, and happiness with your loved ones,” said Mohammad Akid Syahmi.

“Happy 99th Birthday Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Stay blessed and highly favoured. Thank you for being the father of modern Malaysia,” said Benjamin Chong.

Although one year short of being a centenarian, Dr Mahathir has often been praised for his good health and active lifestyle.

In 2018, he said that there is no secret to living long, only to have disciplined eating habits, including avoiding fats, sugar and carbohydrate-filled foods.

“Keeping oneself active through frequent exercise is also important,” he said.

On Tuesday (July 9), a day before his birthday, Dr Mahathir attended an event in London and met with Muslim leaders.